Contributing to synchromodality through the implementation of a federated data space in Inland Waterway Transport

• Data spaces technologies enable synchromodal operations by facilitating timely and trustful data exchange. • Integrating digital non-logistics core actors significantly influences synchromodality implementation. • A case study in inland waterway transport demonstrates a decentralized, open-source approach, showing how data space technologies can support synchromodal transport. • The success of data space deployment hinges on well-defined, robust data usage policies that allow data exchange under agreed-upon conditions, building trust and collaboration. Synchromodality aims to enhance freight transport efficiency by the synchro- nization of intermodal transport elements achieved through accurate, timely, and transparent information exchange, enabling real-time decision-making. Despite ad- vancements in information technology and due to trust issues, data often remains siloed, which hinders synchromodality performance and operational targets. Feder- ated data spaces offer a solution by creating decentralized ecosystems that facilitate the leveraging of critical data. This paper explores the potential of data spaces in the context of synchromodality. Through a case study in inland waterway transport, we demonstrate the practical application of a decentralized, open-source approach, illustrating how data space technologies can enable synchromodal transport. Our findings from the use case indicate that integrating data space technological actors beyond traditional transport stakeholders is essential for successfully implement- ing synchromodality. These actors can resolve interoperability and data quality issues, enforce data usage policies, and provide applications within the data space to execute needed tasks and services. We conclude that the effectiveness of data space deployment depends on well-defined, robust data usage policies, permitting data exchange among participants under agreed-upon conditions. Lastly, we recom- mend further research on governance mechanisms, value propositions, and business models for data spaces within the context of synchromodality.